When I was growing up, the 1952 MGM movie Singin’ In The Rain was one of my favourite musicals. So it was a source of considerable excitement for me when I found out that the much-loved stage adaptation was visiting the Midlands in 2022.

Finally getting to see it last night at the Birmingham Hippodrome, I was not disappointed. And judging by the standing ovation at the end of the night, neither were the rest of the audience!

The show tells a story of late-1920s Hollywood, a time when silent movies were being phased out in favour of ‘talkies’. The leading character is movie star Don Lockwood, a man who is adapting easily to the arrival of cinema sound. His leading lady and on-screen sweetheart, Lina Lamont, is fairing less well, due to her unpleasantly squeaky voice and lack of singing ability. Lina believes that Don loves her - but Don’s heart belongs to Kathy Selden, the woman who’s providing the on-screen vocals for Lina.

Not surprisingly, Lina resents Kathy’s talent and also views her as a love rival...

The fourth central character is Cosmo Brown, Don’s best friend since childhood. An accomplished musician, Cosmo has supported his buddy every step of the way to stardom. He has the same ambitions and desire for recognition as Don, but is almost always delegated to supporting roles.

The show comes complete with art deco-inspired sets, fabulous tap-dancing routines and all the hits, including Make ’Em Laugh, Moses Supposes, and of course the legendary title song itself.

The actors playing the four main characters (Sam Lips as Don, Charlotte Gooch as Kathy, Jenny Gayner as Lina and Ross McLaren as Cosmo) are clearly enjoying themselves throughout - and as an audience member, it’s an absolute joy to take the journey with them as the narrative unfolds. Star of the show is undoubtedly McLaren, who brings perfect comedy timing and great charisma to the role of Cosmo. His rendition of Make ’Em Laugh is on a par with Lips’ brilliantly executed performance of Singin’ In The Rain.

As entertaining evenings at the theatre go, this one really is raining gold stars. The show has energy and enthusiasm in abundance, and provides everything you could wish for in a work of musical theatre. People headed for home last night humming the title song - a surefire sign that the show hits all the right notes.

Oh, and if you happen to be seated in the first few rows of the audience, you get the added ‘bonus’ of becoming rather wet during the performance of the title song...

Seated in the rain at Singin’ In The Rain. What a glorious feeling!...

Don’t miss the opportunity to be thrilled and enthralled by this timeless musical, which runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 11 June.

Five stars. Reviewed by Sue Hull on 7 June.